Pipe coupon extraction tool

ABSTRACT

A pipe coupon extraction tool includes: a rod defining a first end, a second end, and a central axis; and a spring bar defining a first end and a second end, the spring bar rotatably secured to the rod, a surface of the spring bar configured to be angled with respect to the central axis when the pipe coupon extraction tool is engaged with a pipe coupon.

TECHNICAL FIELD Field of Use

This disclosure relates to pipe coupon extraction tools. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to pipe coupon extraction toolsable to remove a pipe coupon from an insertion valve.

Related Art

A pipe coupon can be cut from an installed pipe, including a pipe buriedin the ground or other structure that is part of a permanent fluiddistribution system. When the pipe is pressurized, if can be importantto not only cut the pipe coupon—a process often performed with a specialtool resembling a large hole saw—but also remove the pipe coupon, allwithout allowing leakage of the fluid in the system from the pipe. Whileequipment such as an insertion valve assembly can facilitate thisprocess, removal of the pipe coupon in all conditions can be difficultor impossible.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

In one aspect, disclosed is a pipe coupon extraction tool comprising: arod defining a first end, a second end, and a central axis; and a springbar defining a first end and a second end, the spring bar rotatablysecured to the rod, a surface of the spring bar configured to be angledwith respect to the central axis when the pipe coupon extraction tool isengaged with a pipe coupon.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a pipe coupon extraction toolcomprising: a tool head comprising: a rod defining a first end, a secondend, and a central axis; and a spring bar defining a first end and asecond end, the spring bar rotatably secured to the rod, a surface ofthe spring bar angled with respect to the central axis when the pipecoupon extraction tool is engaged with a pipe coupon; and a toolextension secured to the first end of the rod of the tool head, the toolextension defining a tool end and a handle end, the tool extensioncomprising a handle portion proximate to the handle end, the handleconfigured to be grasped by a hand of a user of the tool.

In yet another aspect, disclosed is a method of extracting a pipe couponfrom a pipe, the method comprising: inserting a tool head of a pipecoupon extraction tool into a bore cut into the pipe coupon, the toolhead defining a first end and a second end; inserting at least a portionof each of a rod and a spring bar of the tool head into the bore of thepipe coupon; engaging a portion of the spring bar with an inner surfaceof the pipe coupon, the spring bar configured to stop against and notpass through the bore of the pipe coupon in an engaged position; andpulling the pipe coupon away from the pipe with the tool head.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may compriseadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosureand together with the description, serve to explain various principlesof the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an insertion valve assembly that isassembled about a pipe and in receipt of a pipe coupon extraction toolin accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the pipe coupon extraction tool ofFIG. 1 and a pipe coupon after it has been cut from the pipe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a top end of the pipe couponextraction tool of FIG. 1 taken from detail 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective exploded view of a bottom end of the pipecoupon extraction tool of FIG. 1 and the pipe coupon of FIG. 2 takenfrom detail 4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tool head of the pipe couponextraction tool of FIG. 1, the tool head comprising a rod and a springbar.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the rod of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the tool head of FIG. 5A in accordancewith another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the rod of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the spring bar of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tool head of the pipe couponextraction tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a detail bottom perspective view of the tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a detail top perspective view of the tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a detail sectional perspective view of the tool head of FIG.8 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an end view of an assembly of the bottom end of the pipecoupon extraction tool of FIG. 2 installed in the pipe coupon of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 13 taken along line14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an assembly of the tool head of FIG. 8during installation in the pipe coupon of FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an assembly of the tool head of FIG. 8after installation in the pipe coupon of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspectsdescribed herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of thepresent disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desiredbenefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some ofthe features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible andcan even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element cancomprise two or more such elements unless the context indicatesotherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be afirst such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a firstwidget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase“at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or bothA and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, theconventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,”“horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless statedotherwise, “front” describes that end of a tool head nearest to andfacing a fastener of a spring bar of the tool head; “rear” is that endof the tool head that is opposite or distal the front; “left” is thatwhich is to the left of or facing left from a person facing towards thefront; and “right” is that which is to the right of or facing right fromthat same person facing towards the front. “Horizontal” or “horizontalorientation” describes that which is in a plane extending from left toright and aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation”describes that which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to thehorizontal.

In one aspect, a pipe coupon extraction device and associated methods,systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In oneaspect, the pipe coupon extraction device can comprise a rod and aspring bar coupled to the rod.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an insertion valve assembly 60assembled about a pipe 80 and in receipt of a pipe coupon extractiontool 100. In some aspects, as shown with the insertion valve assembly 60in an inspection configuration, the insertion valve assembly 60 cancomprise a valve sleeve 62 for installation or assembly about the pipe80, a valve 64 with a valve actuator 66, a valve extension barrel 68,and an inspection plate 70. The insertion valve assembly 60 can also beat least a portion of an insertion valve system. In some aspects, thetool 100 can be part of an insertion valve chip evacuation (ICE)apparatus or “ICE” harpoon.

The valve sleeve 62 can comprise one or more pieces configured forinstallation or assembly about the pipe 80. As shown, the valve sleeve62 can comprise two halves: a lower half 62 a and an upper half 62 b.The valve sleeve 62, among other functions, can seal against any leakageof a fluid from the pipe 80 into the environment proximate to where theinsertion valve assembly 60 is positioned and can provide a mountingstructure for the valve 64. The valve actuator 66 can actuate or operatethe valve 64, which can be a knife gate valve. More specifically, thevalve actuator 66 can cause a gate, ball, disc, or other sealing elementof the valve 64 to travel between an open position and a closed positionshown. In some aspects, as shown, the valve actuator 66 can be poweredmanually by a user through a mechanical drive such as a wheel inmechanical communication with the aforementioned sealing element. Insome aspects, the valve actuator 66 can be powered by an electricaldrive or any other drive able to operate the valve 64.

Other equipment (not shown), such as pipe fittings and drills used tocut a pipe coupon 240 (shown in FIG. 2) from the pipe 80, can be securedor mounted to the valve 64. Once removed, however, such equipment can bereplaced by the valve extension barrel 68, which can define one or moreinlets in fluid communication with other equipment for pressurizing ordepressurizing the pipe 80 by transporting its contents therethrough. Asshown, various components including those described herein can besecured to each other using a plurality of removable fasteners, each ofwhich can be, for example and without limitation, a bolt and nutcombination. The various components can be sealed to each other and tothe pipe 80 using various seals or gaskets (not shown) to prevent anyundesired leakage of a fluid from inside the pipe 80 to the environmentor vice versa.

The inspection plate 70 can be secured or mounted to the valve extensionbarrel 68. The inspection plate 70 can, among other functions, close andseal a top end of the insertion valve assembly 60, receive a tool suchas the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 through a bore 78 defined in theinspection plate 70, and provide visual inspection access through one ormore windows 75. As shown, the inspection plate 70 can specificallydefine two windows 75, through which a portion of the tool 100positioned inside the valve 60 can be viewed from multiple perspectives.For example, visibility of the portion of the tool 100 positioned insidethe valve 60 can facilitate alignment and engagement of the pipe couponextraction tool 100 with the pipe coupon 240.

The pipe coupon 240 can be cut from the pipe 80 using a tool resemblinga large hole saw (not shown) but, in any case, will typically be thenremoved from the pipe 80 for further work on the pipe 80 and any systemof which it may be part. Use of the insertion valve assembly 60 allowscutting and removal of the pipe coupon 240, even if the pipe 80 ispressurized, by surrounding and sealing around the pipe 80 with thesleeve 62 and other components and by selectively sealing off anypressurized contents of the pipe 80 with the valve 64. In aspects wherethe pipe coupon 240 has not already been removed from the pipe 80 afterthe pipe coupon 240 is cut, the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 can beused.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the pipe coupon extraction tool 100and the pipe coupon 240 after the pipe coupon 240 has been cut from thepipe 80. In the process of cutting a full pipe coupon 240, pipe portions80 a and 80 b can result. As shown, the pipe coupon extraction tool 100can, more specifically, engage with the pipe coupon 240 such that thepipe coupon extraction tool 100 can manipulate a position of (i.e.,move) the pipe coupon 240 or even the pipe 80 or the pipe portions 80a,b. In some aspects, the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 can be part ofan even higher-level pipe coupon extraction system or assembly.

Being originally a section of the pipe 80, the pipe coupon 240 candefine similar features as the pipe 80 including, for example andwithout limitation, an inner surface 81, an outer surface 82, a diameter1370 (shown in FIG. 13), and a wall thickness 1402 (shown in FIG. 14).The pipe coupon 240 can further define a bore 248, which can receive thepipe coupon extraction tool 100 as shown. In some aspects, as shown, thepipe 80 and the pipe coupon 240 can be substantially circular incross-section. In some aspects, the pipe 80 and the pipe coupon 240 candefine a non-circular shape in cross-section.

The pipe coupon extraction tool 100 can comprise a tool head 210 and atool extension 250. The tool head 210, as will be described in furtherdetail below, can comprise a spring bar 220, which can be configured toengage the pipe coupon 240 or even the pipe 80 or the pipe portions 80a,b. The tool extension 250 can be removably coupled or secured to thetool head 210 with a fastener 290, which can be a removable fastenersuch as, for example and without limitation, a pin 292 (shown in FIG. 4)extending through the tool head 210 and the tool extension 250 and acotter pin 294 (shown in FIG. 4) extending through the pin to secure thepin in position. More specifically, a central shaft or pole or mainshaft 260 of the tool extension 250 can be secured to the tool head 210and can extend any desired distance from the tool head 210. The mainshaft 260 can define an extension portion 251 and a first end 255 (shownin FIG. 4) of the tool extension 250 and can extend more specifically toa handle portion 252 of the tool 100. The handle portion 252 can definea second end 256 of the tool 100. In some aspects, the main shaft 260can be secured to the tool head 210 with the fastener 290 shown, and themain shaft 260 can be secured to the tool head 210 with threaded on oneor both of the main shaft 260 and the tool head 210.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a top end or the second end 256of the pipe coupon extraction tool 100. The tool extension 250 of thetool 100 and specifically the handle portion 252 can comprise a firstmember or first grip 310 and a second member or second grip 320, each ofwhich can be shaped and sized to fit one or both hands of a user of thetool 100. For example and without limitation, each of the grips 310,320can be three to six inches long to accommodate a single hand of theuser. The first grip 310 and the second grip 320 can extend in oppositedirections away from and also angled with respect to the main shaft 260of the tool extension 250. In some aspects, as shown, each of the firstgrip 310 and the second grip 320 can be angled with respect to the mainshaft 260 by an angle of 90 degrees. In some aspects, either or both ofthe first grip 310 and the second grip 320 can be angled with respect tothe main shaft 260 by any other angle. The tool extension 250 cancomprise a third member or protrusion 330. The protrusion 330 can definean opening 338, which can be configured to transfer a fluid to or froman interior cavity 1480 (shown in FIG. 14) of the tool 100 and the pipe80. The protrusion 330 can comprise an attachment fastener 339, which insome aspects as shown can be an eye fitting. One or more components ofthe tool 100 and specifically the tool extension 250 can be capped witha plug or cap 350 as shown, including to facilitate sealing of theinterior cavity 1480. The attachment fastener 339 can also be replacedwith another instance of the cap 340 in other aspects.

The tool extension 250 can comprise a tool extension valve 360, such asa ball valve or butterfly valve, comprising a valve handle 365, whichcan be selectively opened and closed to allow or prevent flow of theaforementioned fluid through the interior cavity 1480 of the toolextension 250 from the first end 255 (shown in FIG. 4) to the second end256 or vice versa. In some aspects, the tool extension valve 360 canselectively place an interior cavity (not shown) of the tool head 210(including structures not shown) in fluid communication with the opening338 defined in the handle portion 252 of the tool extension 250, whichcan in some aspects be defined elsewhere in the tool extension 250. Asshown, various fittings such as, for example and without limitation, amulti-outlet fitting 370 or a nipple 380 can attach various othercomponents of the tool extension 250 or the tool 100.

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective exploded view of a bottom end of the pipecoupon extraction tool 100 and the pipe coupon 240. A rod 410 of thetool head 210 be received within the first end 255 of the tool extension250. The rod 410 can be secured through a connection bore 418 defined inthe rod 410 and a connection bore 258 defined in the tool extension 250using the fastener 290, which can comprise the aforementioned pin 292and the cotter pin 294. The bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240 can be sizedto receive the tool 100 and, more specifically, the tool head 210,including along a central axis 101 of the tool 100 and a bore axis 261of the bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240. In some aspects, the main shaft260 can be solid throughout or at least proximate to the first end 255.The tool head 210 can define a slot 480 sized and configured to receiveand secure the spring bar 220. Insertion of the spring bar 220 into theslot 480 of the rod 410 can be along the path shown or can be in partfrom another side of the slot 480, at least where the slot 480 definesmultiple side openings as shown. As will be further described, the toolhead 210 can define a recess 490 to facilitate or allow insertion of andadditional movement of the spring bar 220 with respect to the rod 410.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the tool head 210 of the pipe couponextraction tool 100 (shown in FIG. 2) showing the spring bar 220inserted into the slot 480 of the rod 410. A mounting end or first end225 of the spring bar 220 can be captured or fixed in position insidethe slot 480, and a distal end or second end 226 of the spring bar 220can be free to move or rotate about or relative to the first end 225during operation of the tool 100. The spring bar 220 can thus berotatably secured to the rod 410 at a position proximate to a second end416 of the rod 410. The connection bore 418 can be defined in orproximate to a mounting end or first end 415 of the rod 410, and a tip510 of the rod 410 can be defined in or proximate to the second end 416of the rod 410, which can be a distal end of the second end 416. Thespring bar 220 can define an outer edge 521 in the plane of an outersurface 221 and can define an outer edge 522 in the plane of an innersurface 222 (shown in FIG. 7). Due to a thickness 520 of the spring bar220 or other characteristic of the spring bar 220 allowing bending ofthe spring bar 220 about a longitudinal axis 701 (shown in FIG. 7), thespring bar 220 can be flexible. The spring bar 220 can in this sensealso be a leaf spring. In some instances, the thickness 520 can besufficiently great so as to not buckle during extraction of the pipecoupon 240.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the rod 410 of the tool head 210 (shownin FIG. 5). As shown, the slot 480 can be angled with respect to acentral axis or axis 411 of the rod 410 and the central axis 101 (shownin FIG. 4) of the tool 100. The recess 490 can define surfaces such assurfaces 492,494, which can face the spring bar 220 once in position. Insome aspects, each of the surfaces 492,494 can be parallel to the axis411. In some aspects, each of the surfaces 492,494 can be angled withrespect to the axis 411. As shown, the surface 492 proximate to the slot480 can more specifically be parallel to the axis 411, and the surface494 distal from the slot 480 can more specifically be angled withrespect to the axis 411. In some aspects, as shown, the surface 492,494can define flat or planar sections. In some aspects, the recess 490 candefine curved or radiused sections. For example, as shown, the surface494 can be curved.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the tool head 210 of the pipe couponextraction tool 100 (shown in FIG. 2) showing the spring bar 220otherwise secured to the rod 410 but without the slot 480 (shown in FIG.5A). The first end 225 of the spring bar 220 can be captured or fixed inposition against a surface 496 (shown in FIG. 6B) of the rod 410, andthe second end 226 of the spring bar 220 can remain free to move orrotate as described above with respect to the tool head 210 shown inFIG. 5A. More specifically, the first end 225 of the spring bar 220 candefine a bore (not shown), and the rod 410 can define a bore 488 (shownin FIG. 6B), and a fastener 690 can be assembled therethrough to fix thespring bar 220 to the rod 410. Even where the spring bar 220 is insertedinto the slot 480 (shown in FIG. 5A), a fastener 690 can be used tosecure the spring bar 220—assembled through the bore 488 even though notshown in FIG. 5A—and prevent any movement of the spring bar 220 withrespect to the rod 410. In some aspects, a friction fit between thespring bar 220 and the rod 410 at the slot 480 can be used.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the rod 410 of the tool head 210 (shownin FIG. 5). As shown, the surface 496 can be angled with respect to anaxis 411 of the rod 410 and the central axis 101 (shown in FIG. 4) ofthe tool 100. In some aspects, the first end 225 (shown in FIG. 6A) ofthe spring bar 220 (shown in FIG. 6A) can be shielded or recessedcompleted behind the tip 510, which can be shaped as shown or in anyother desired shape to facilitate entry of the tool head 210 into thebore 248 of the pipe coupon 240. In some aspects, the spring bar 220 canbe only partially shielded or recessed by removing a portion 650 of thetip 510, which in some aspects can be understood as that portion of therod 410 defining a portion boundary 657, which can extend through therod 410 as shown in FIG. 6B and define a planar surface. In someaspects, such as when the portion 650 is removed, the outer surface 221(shown in FIG. 6A) of the spring bar 220 (shown in FIG. 6A) can be flushwith an outer surface of the rod 410 proximate to the first end 225 ofthe spring bar 220. In some aspects, the outer surface 221 of the springbar 220 can be recessed behind or protrude beyond the outer surface—andalso the portion boundary 657—of the rod 410. The portion 650 can definea surface 652, which itself can in some aspects, as shown, be angledwith respect to the axis 411. In some aspects, the surface 652 can beparallel to the axis 411.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the spring bar 220. The spring bar 220 candefine the outer surface 221 (shown in FIG. 6A) and an inner surface 222positioned distal from and facing opposite from the outer surface 221.The spring bar 220 can define the longitudinal axis 701 and, again, theouter edge 521 (shown in FIG. 5A) in the plane of the outer surface 221(shown in FIG. 5A) and the outer edge 522 in the plane of the innersurface 222. The spring bar 220 can define an outer edge surface 710,which can extend from the outer surface 221 to the inner surface 222. Insome aspects, as shown, the outer edge surface 710 can be perpendicularto each of the outer surface 221 and the inner surface 222. In someaspects, the outer edge surface 710 can be angled differently withrespect to one or both of the outer surface 221 and the inner surface222. The spring bar can be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 701such that geometry on one side is a mirror image of geometry on anopposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis 701.

The spring bar 220 can define one or more serrations 770 between thefirst end 225 of the spring bar 220 and the second end 226 of the springbar 220. Each serration 770 can comprise or define a protruding edge772, a recessed edge 774, and a stop edge 776 extending between theprotruding edge 772 and the recessed edge 774. Each of the protrudingedge 772, the recessed edge 774, and the stop edge 776 can correspond toand be accompanied by a protruding portion, a recessed portion, and astop portion of the outer edge surface 710. Either or both of theprotruding edge 772 (or the corresponding protruding surface) or therecessed edge 774 (or the corresponding recessed surface) can define astraight portion, a curved portion, or both straight and curvedportions. In some aspects, the spring bar 220 can define of the one ormore serrations 770 between the first end 225 of the spring bar 220 andthe second end 226 of the spring bar 220. The spring bar 220 cancomprise a tab 790, which can be proximate to the second end 226, canextend beyond any other portion of the spring bar 220 with respect tothe first end 225, and can define the second end 226.

The stop edges 776 of the serration 770 can be made of such a lengththat the serration 770 will pass through the bore 248. The stop edges776 of the serration 770 can also be made of such a length that theserration 770 will engage with and not pull free under load from aportion of the inner surface 81 of the pipe coupon proximate or adjacentto the bore 248.

Any or all of the outer edge 521, the inner edge 522, and the outer edgesurface 710 can define a taper in which an overall width of the springbar 220 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis701 can narrow from the second end 226 to the first end 225. Byincorporation of the taper, a width 778 of serrations 770 offset by agreater distance from the first end 225 of the spring bar 220 a,b can begreater than the width 778 of serrations 770 offset by a lesser distancefrom the first end 225 of the spring bar 220 a,b. Where the width 778varies, the tool 100 can accommodate varying diameters of the bore 248of the pipe coupon 240, which can correspond in some aspects to varyingdiameters 1370 of the pipe coupon 240. The width 778 of the largest orwidest serration 770 can optionally be greater than the largest bore 248that the user of the tool 100 would expect to encounter in order for asingle tool 100 to accommodate the maximum size of the pipe coupon 240or at least the pipe coupon 240 having the largest bore 248. Similarly,the width 778 of the smallest or narrowest serration 770 can optionallybe less than the smallest bore 248 that the user of the tool 100 wouldexpect to encounter in order for a single tool 100 to accommodate theminimum size of the pipe coupon 240 or at least the pipe coupon 240having the smallest bore 248. A single tool 100 can in some aspectsaccommodate all possible sizes of the pipe coupon 240.

In some aspects, as will be described with respect to subsequent figuresbut applicable also to aspects described above, the spring bar 220 canbe rigid and configured to not bend or flex and, instead of the springbar 220 itself flexing, some other connecting structure can flex. Abiasing element such as, for example and without limitation, a spring(not shown) and more specifically a spring such as, for example andwithout limitation, a compression spring, a leaf spring, or a torsionspring can be positioned between the spring bar 220 and the rod 410; orthe tool head 210 can otherwise incorporate such a feature andcompression of the spring can permit biased movement of the spring bar220. In some aspects, a rigid spring bar 220 can be fixed to the rod 410and the rod 410 can function as and be a fixed stationary barb toextract the pipe coupon 240. More specifically, engagement of the toolhead 210 can result from moving the spring bar 220 towards one side ofthe bore 248, and disengagement of the tool head 210 can result frommoving the spring bar 220 away from that one side of the bore 248.

FIGS. 8-12 show the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 in accordance withanother aspect of the current disclosure. FIG. 8 is a perspective viewand FIG. 9 is a front view of the tool head 210 of the pipe couponextraction tool 100 in such an aspect. The spring bar 220 can comprisespring bars 220 a,b, which can be secured to the rod 410 with and pivotabout the fastener 690. Each of the first spring bar 220 a and thesecond spring bar 220 b can be rotatably secured to the rod 410 at aposition proximate to the second end 416 of the rod 410. The fastener690 can be angled with respect to the axis 411 of the rod 410.

A biasing element 850 such as the aforementioned biasing element canbias the spring bar 220 and the spring bars 220 a,b towards an openposition shown. As shown, the biasing element 850 can be a torsionspring. The rod 410 can comprise a first narrow portion 810, which canbe at least as long or longer than a length of each of the spring bars220 a,b to receive the spring bars 220 a,b in a closed position as shownin FIG. 15. As shown, in the open position, the spring bars 220 a,b canbe angled with respect to the axis 411 and towards the first end 415.The rod 410 can comprise a second narrow portion 820, which can be sizedto be received within the main shaft 260 of the tool extension 250(shown in FIG. 4). Each of the spring bars 220 a,b can be tapered fromfirst ends 225 a,b towards respective second ends 226 a,b.

FIG. 10 is a detail bottom perspective view, FIG. 11 is a detail topperspective view, and FIG. 12 is a detail sectional perspective view ofthe tool head 210. The rod 410 can define a flat surface 1001 a,b on anyportion thereof including the first narrow portion 810. As shown, eachof the spring bars 220 a,b can comprise a flange or flanges 1010 a,b.The spring bars 220 a,b can comprise respective outer surfaces 221 a,band respective inner surfaces 222 a,b (shown in FIG. 11). As shown inFIG. 12, the fastener 690 can comprise fasteners 690 a,b, which canseparately secure opposite ends or sides of the spring bars 220 a,b. Asshown, the fasteners 690 a,b can define a head 692, a shoulder 694, anda tail 696, which can be threaded. The head 692 can define a recess 698,which can facilitate rotation and tightening of the fastener 690 a,bwith, for example and without limitation, an Allen wrench.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the biasing elements 850 can be in contactwith the corresponding spring bar 220 a,b and can be configured tomaintain a position of the spring bars 220 a,b. The position of thespring bars 220 a,b can maximize a radius 910 a,b (shown in FIG. 9) orcorresponding diameter—determining by combining the radii 910 a,b—of therespective second ends 226 a,b of the spring bars 220 a,b relative tothe axis 411 of the rod 410. When the radii 910 a,b and anycorresponding diameter—in the case of two spring bars 220 a,b—is greaterthan the bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240, a user of the tool 100 can beconfident that the spring bars 220 a,b will remain inside the pipecoupon 240 and not exit the bore 248 during extraction of the pipecoupon 240 from the pipe 80. As shown, a first end of the biasingelement 850 as well as a second end thereof can contact the innersurface 222 a,b of the respective spring bar 220 a. As shown, turns ofthe biasing elements 850 can wrap around or encircle and be fixed inposition by and relative to the fasteners 690 a,b.

FIG. 13 is an end view and FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an assembly ofthe tool head 210 of FIGS. 2-7 together with the bottom end of the pipecoupon extraction tool 100 installed in the pipe coupon 240. The centralaxis 101 and the longitudinal axis 701 are shown optionally alignedalong the bore axis 261, and with sufficient play between the tool head210 and the bore 248 both intended or unintended misalignment can beacceptable. As shown, the serrations 770 and specifically the stop edges776 can contact with the inner surface 81 of the pipe coupon 240 andthereby facilitate extraction of the pipe coupon 240 by upward movementof the tool 100 with respect to the pipe 80 (shown in FIG. 1). As shown,the spring bar 220 can engage with the bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240where the width 778 (shown in FIG. 7) of particular serrations 770 ofthe spring bar 220 measure less than or equal to a chord length 1310 ofthe bore 248 at a position of engagement of the spring bar 220 with thepipe coupon 240.

As shown in FIG. 14, insertion of the tool 100 into the bore 248 of thepipe coupon 240 far enough to cause deformation of the spring bar 220from an unsprung or undeformed position or state 1410 to a deformedposition or state 1420 can help ensure ongoing engagement of theserrations 770 with the bore 248. Further deformation of the spring bar220 to a third release state (not shown) by, for example and withoutlimitation, pushing of the tab 790 or another portion of the spring bar220 can facilitate removal of the tool 100 from the pipe coupon 240. Anyof the aforementioned surfaces of the spring bar 220 can be angled withrespect to the central axis 101 when the tool 100 is engaged with thepipe coupon 240 or when the spring bar 220 is in any of the undeformedstate 1410, the deformed state 1420, and the release state. In someaspects, as shown, a single instance of the spring bar 220 can besecured to the rod 410 to form the tool head 210. In some aspects, twoor more instances of the spring bar 220 can be secured to the rod410—for example and without limitation, on opposing sides of the rod410—to form the tool head 210.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectional views of an assembly of the tool head 210of FIGS. 8-12 with the pipe coupon 240. FIG. 15 shows the tool head 210of FIGS. 8-12 during installation of the tool head 210 in the pipecoupon 240 in an insertion direction 1510, while FIG. 16 shows the sametool head 210 after installation in the pipe coupon 240. As shown, thespring bars 220 a,b can fold up against the first narrow portion 810 andboth the spring bars 220 a,b and at least a portion of the first narrowportion 810 of the rod 410 can extend through the bore 248 and into thepipe coupon 240.

As shown in FIG. 16, after insertion and passage of the spring bars 220a,b through the bore 248, the spring bars 220 a,b can either by theforce of gravity or by action of the biasing element 850 expand or openinside the pipe coupon 240, the operation of the spring bars 220 a,bbeing similar in aspects to operation of the wings of a fastener used tosecure on object to an interior wall of a building formed with drywall.In contrast to what is sometimes called a toggle bolt anchor, however,the rod 410 does not need to be threaded through a nut and instead thespring bars 220 a,b can be pinned in a single position on the rod 410 toform the tool head 210. Additionally, the toggle bolt is configured forinstallation only and generally cannot be loosened without somehowpulling on a head of a bolt of the toggle bolt anchor in a directionaway from the aforementioned nut, and the wings of the toggle boltanchor are not configured to be removed from any hole through with thetoggle bolt anchor may be installed in. In some aspects, as shown,multiple instances of the spring bars 220 a,b can be secured to the rod410 to form the tool head 210. In some aspects, only a single instanceof the spring bar 220 a,b can be secured to the rod 410—for example andwithout limitation, on just a single side of the rod 410—to form thetool head 210.

In some aspects, various components of the pipe coupon extraction tool100 can be formed from or comprise a metal such as, for example andwithout limitation, steel. In some aspects, the various components canbe formed from any other material, any of which can optionally becorrosion-resistant or replaceable for serviceability. The variouscomponents of the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 can be formed from anyone or more of a variety of manufacturing processes. For example andwithout limitation, the spring bar 220 or the spring bars 220 a,b, therod 410, and other components can be fabricated using subtractivemanufacturing processes such as machining, forging, stamping; additivemanufacturing processes such as three dimensional printing; and anyother forming and assembly processes such as bending and riveting.

A method of extracting the pipe coupon 240 from the pipe 80 can compriseinserting the tool head 210 of the pipe coupon extraction tool 100 intothe bore 248 cut into the pipe coupon 240 in the insertion direction1510. The method can comprise inserting at least a portion of each ofthe rod 410 and the spring bar 220 or the spring bar 220 a,b of the toolhead 210 into the bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240. The method cancomprise pulling the rod 410 and the spring bar 220 or the spring bar220 a,b in a removal direction 1610, which can be opposite from theinsertion direction 1510. The method can comprise engaging a portion ofthe spring bar 220 or the spring bar 220 a,b with the inner surface 81of the pipe 80, in which case the spring bar 220 or the spring bar 220a,b can be configured to stop against and not pass through the bore 248of the pipe coupon 240 in an engaged position. The method can comprisepulling the pipe coupon 240 away from the pipe 80 with the tool head210.

The method step of engaging a portion of the spring bar 220 with theinner surface 81 of the pipe 80 can comprise contacting an engagementsurface of at least one serration 770 of the spring bar 220 with theinner surface 81 of the pipe 80. The method can comprise the spring bar220 rotating alternately between an undeformed state and a deformedstate of the spring bar 220 or between lesser and greater degrees of thedeformed state of the spring bar 220 as the serrations 770 pass throughthe bore 248. The method can comprise the spring bar 220 making anaudible click sound or the user feeling the spring bar 220 click intoengagement with the bore 248 of the pipe coupon 240 where the width 778(shown in FIG. 7) of the spring bar 220 measures less than or equal tothe chord length 1310 (shown in FIG. 13) of the bore 248 at a positionof engagement of the spring bar 220 with the pipe coupon 240. Suchclicks, whether audible or vibrational or both, can provide feedback tothe user that the tool 100 has engaged with the pipe coupon 240. Suchengagement can in some aspects be confirmed through visual inspection ofan interface between the tool 100 and the pipe coupon 240 through thewindows 75 (shown in FIG. 1) of the inspection plate 70. The method stepof engaging a portion of either of the spring bars 220 a,b with theinner surface 81 of the pipe can comprise engaging a portion of eitherof the spring bar 220 a,b with the inner surface 81 of the pipe coupon240 can comprise contacting the flanges 1010 a,b of the respectivespring bar 220 a,b with the inner surface 81 of the pipe coupon 240. Themethod step of engaging a portion of the spring bar 220 or the springbar 220 a,b with the inner surface 81 of the pipe coupon 240 cancomprise further comprising manipulating a position of the tool head 210with the tool extension 150 secured to the mounting end 415 of the toolhead 210, optionally with the handle portion 252.

The method can comprise lifting the pipe coupon 240 from the pipe 80.The method can more specifically comprise lifting the pipe coupon 240past the valve 64. The method can comprise closing the valve 64. Themethod can then comprise draining the valve 64. The method can comprisegaining access to the tool 100 and the pipe coupon 240 by disassemblyand/or removal of a portion of the insertion valve assembly 60 andreleasing the spring bar 220 or the spring bars 220 a,b from engagementwith the pipe coupon 240.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded in which functions may not be included or executed at all, maybe executed out of order from that shown or discussed, includingsubstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on thefunctionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonablyskilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of the presentdisclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended tocover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements,features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thepresent disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects orcombinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by thepresent disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A pipe coupon extraction tool comprising: arod defining a first end, a second end, and a central axis; and a springbar defining a first end and a second end, the spring bar rotatablysecured to the rod, a surface of the spring bar configured to be angledwith respect to the central axis when the pipe coupon extraction tool isengaged with a pipe coupon, the spring bar defining a taper in which anoverall width of the spring bar measured in a direction perpendicular toa longitudinal axis of the spring bar and perpendicular to a directionof rotation of the spring bar during movement of the spring bar narrowsfrom the second end to the first end.
 2. The tool of claim 1, whereinthe spring bar is flexible.
 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the firstend of the spring bar remains fixed while the second end of the springbar rotates with respect to the first end, the spring bar biasedradially outward in a deformed state when pushed radially inward from anundeformed state, the first end of the spring bar remaining stationaryin each of the undeformed state and the deformed state and the secondend of the spring bar configured to move between the undeformed stateand the deformed state.
 4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the spring bardefines a serration between the first end of the spring bar and thesecond end of the spring bar.
 5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the springbar defines a plurality of serrations between the first end of thespring bar and the second end of the spring bar.
 6. The tool of claim 1,wherein: the rod further defines a slot proximate to the second end, theslot angled with respect to the central axis in a cross-sectional planeintersecting the central axis; and the spring bar is positioned insidethe slot.
 7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a fastener securingthe spring bar to the rod.
 8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the fasteneris angled with respect to the central axis of the rod.
 9. A pipe couponextraction tool comprising: a tool head comprising: a rod defining afirst end, a second end, and a central axis; and a spring bar defining afirst end and a second end, the spring bar rotatably secured to the rod,a surface of the spring bar angled with respect to the central axis whenthe pipe coupon extraction tool is engaged with a pipe coupon, thespring bar defining a taper in which an overall width of the spring barmeasured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thespring bar and perpendicular to a direction of rotation of the springbar during movement of the spring bar narrows from the second end to thefirst end; and a tool extension secured to the first end of the rod ofthe tool head, the tool extension defining a tool end and a handle end,the tool extension comprising a handle portion proximate to the handleend, the handle portion configured to be grasped by a hand of a user ofthe tool.
 10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the tool head is removablysecured to the tool extension with a removable fastener.
 11. The tool ofclaim 9, wherein the handle of the tool extension comprises a firstportion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the secondportion extending in opposite directions away from a central shaft ofthe tool extension.
 12. The tool of claim 9, wherein the tool extensioncomprises a valve configured to selectively place an interior cavity ofthe tool head in fluid communication with an inlet defined in the handleend of the tool extension.
 13. The tool of claim 9, wherein the springbar is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, geometry on one side ofthe spring bar with respect to the longitudinal axis being a mirrorimage of geometry on an opposite side of the spring bar with respect tothe longitudinal axis.
 14. A method of extracting a pipe coupon from apipe, the method comprising: inserting a tool head of a pipe couponextraction tool into a bore cut into the pipe coupon, a bore axis of thebore angled with respect to an axis of the pipe from which the pipecoupon is cut, the tool head defining a first end and a second end;inserting at least a portion of each of a rod and a spring bar of thetool head into the bore of the pipe coupon, the spring bar biasedradially outward in a deformed state when pushed radially inward from anundeformed state; engaging a portion of the spring bar with an innersurface of the pipe coupon, the spring bar configured to stop againstand not pass through the bore of the pipe coupon in an engaged position;and pulling the pipe coupon away from the pipe with the tool head. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein engaging the portion of the spring barwith the inner surface of the pipe coupon comprises contacting anengagement surface of at least one serration of the spring bar with theinner surface of the pipe coupon.
 16. The method of claim 14, whereinengaging the portion of the spring bar with the inner surface of thepipe coupon comprises contacting a flange of the spring bar with theinner surface of the pipe coupon.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising manipulating a position of the tool head with a toolextension secured to a mounting end of the tool head, the tool extensiondefining a tool end and a handle end, the tool extension comprising ahandle proximate to the handle end.
 18. A pipe coupon extraction toolcomprising: a tool head comprising: a rod defining a first end, a secondend, and a central axis; and a spring bar defining a first end and asecond end, the spring bar rotatably secured to the rod, a surface ofthe spring bar angled with respect to the central axis when the pipecoupon extraction tool is engaged with a pipe coupon; and a toolextension secured to the first end of the rod of the tool head, the toolextension defining a tool end and a handle end, the tool extensioncomprising: a handle portion proximate to the handle end, the handleportion configured to be grasped by a hand of a user of the tool; and avalve configured to selectively place an interior cavity of the toolhead in fluid communication with an inlet defined in the handle end ofthe tool extension.
 19. The tool of claim 1, wherein the spring bar issymmetrical about the longitudinal axis, geometry on one side of thespring bar with respect to the longitudinal axis being a mirror image ofgeometry on an opposite side of the spring bar with respect to thelongitudinal axis.